‘Nirvanna the Band’ is nirvana, but not Nirvana
Consider yourself warned that if you purchase a ticket to see “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie,” what you’re about to see has absolutely nothing to do with the late Kurt Cobain’s long-defunct grunge gods. It’s actually a pair of wacky Canadian dudes whose series of comedy webcasts in the 2010s evolved into a cult TV series and, now, a feature film. A pretty damn good one, by the way.
It’s exclusively a two-man operation cooked up by lifelong friends and Torontonians Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol, who wrote, directed and star in what can best be described as “Borat” meets “Jackass” by way of “The Monkees,” but with less music and more laughs. I’m somewhat embarrassed to say I’d never heard of the duo before stumbling upon their first movie, which is getting a limited release this weekend south of the (Canadian) border. But, boy, am I glad I’m now part of a swelling circle of fans.
So, what are they about, you ask? Well, I’d describe them as sort of a 21st-century version of Harold Lloyd, a pair of zany daredevils who will do just about anything to get their rock band noticed, including skydiving off Toronto’s CN Tower into the neighboring SkyDome hundreds of feet below – and surviving. But it doesn’t get them any closer to their dream gig of playing the city’s 200-seat music club, The Rivoli.
When the CN Tower stunt fails to get them noticed, the two pals stop collaborating and start seeking stardom on their own. For Jay, it’s sneaking off to Ottawa for an open-mic night. And for Matt, it’s converting the pair’s rundown RV into his version of the DeLorean from “Back to the Future.” To his amazement, it accidentally works, whisking him and, inadvertently, Jay, back to 2008, creating an unexpected opportunity to alter their unsuccessful career path. But when they return to 2025, it backfires on Matt, who is shocked to learn that Jay is now Canada’s biggest rock star and he is an absolute nobody.
This suits Jay fine – for a while. But circumstances arise that make Jay eager to go back in time again. But only for two days, while Matt wants to return to 2008 and make everything like it was before all this “Back to the Future” nonsense began. One problem. They are fresh out of the long-defunct drink, Orbitz, which is fueling the RV’s trips through time.
Like the folks at Mission Control during Apollo 13, Matt starts thinking outside the box, but his alternative means of propulsion will require performing yet another dangerous stunt that could either get them arrested or killed. Of course, nothing with these two ever goes to plan, but that’s where their knack for improvising proves most valuable.
Many of their bits border on comedic genius, particularly the scenes when the elder Matt and Jay return to their old apartment in 2008 and are met by their younger selves. I will say no more. Just know what ensues is as clever as it is funny. And kudos to the makeup and special-effects crews for convincingly de-aging Matt and Jay 17 years to make it work.
I most admire their unbridled moxie whenever they take to the streets to film their antics, guerrilla-style, in front of stunned – and amused – passersby, such as the day they attempt to attach the world’s longest extension cord to the top of the CN Tower.
It’s as stupid as it gets, but I dare you not to chuckle. But what makes “Niranna the Band” so utterly charming is how vividly Jay and Matt’s real-life friendship bleeds through. As with any partnership, there are times they can’t stand the sight of each other, but in the end, their devotion means more to them than success ever could.
I’m sure not everyone will find Matt and Jay to be their cup of tea. But if you enjoy quirky humor and colorful characters willing to do anything – and I mean anything – to entertain you, count on Matt and Jay’s risky schtick to consistently shock and awe.
Movie review
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie
Rated: R for brief violence, language
Cast: Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol
Director: Matt Johnson
Writers: Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol
Runtime: 99 minutes
Where: In theaters Feb. 13 (limited)
Grade: B
